Back in 2013, Mayor Dawn Zimmer was a candidate for re-election and the civil lawsuit was obviously believed to be the perfect political tool to extract money out of Hoboken City Hall before an election where she would not wish to have controversey surrounding her name.

The Old Guard has misread the mayor on many occasions, particularly regarding her fortitude. She has an inner streak more akin to Margaret Thatcher than Bernie Sanders when it comes to how she treats city funds.

Hoboken's Iron Lady refused to bend to intimidation in 2013 leading into a mayoral election and she's dug in refusing to budge today.

According to a story on Grafix Avenger, the shakedown attempt demanded is $2.4 million divided equally between the City of Hoboken and the very financially strapped HHA. (Of course the latter inherited a financial disaster from the very person charged to ensure the good health of the agency who is suing them: Carmelo Garcia.)

Meanwhile, a withered Old Guard seeks to move forward as if their coalition mate last November no longer matters. Rumors of meetings sought to smooth over the latest corruption problems are claimed in the works to settle the jangled nerves of would be mayoral candidates next year.

As reported in MSV Premium earlier this week, one meeting between Carmelo Garcia and Chris Campos is said to have already taken place. Oh to be a fly on the wall and not a horse.

The years long shakedown could see itself suddenly and permanently off course.